South Africa's contacts with the neighbouring African states during the apartheid years are well documented. But here is a unique study based on hitherto un-explored primary sources behind the apartheid screen exposing extensive contact even with the the countries further north during these years. These relations paved the way for South Africa's emergence as a middle power acceptable to its fellow African states.

Roger Pfister undertook his research at Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa, and is a freelance researcher and writer on South Africa's international relations.